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Projects: Projects for Investigator
Reference Number	NIA_CAD0087
Title	HyLights: Hydrogen Gas Lamp Feasibility
Status	Completed
Energy Categories	Fossil Fuels: Oil Gas and Coal(Oil and Gas, Refining, transport and storage of oil and gas) 10%; Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Hydrogen, Hydrogen end uses (incl. combustion; excl. fuel cells)) 90%;
Research Types	Applied Research and Development 100%
Science and Technology Fields	ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 100%
UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation	Not Cross-cutting 100%
Principal Investigator	Project Contact No email address given Cadent Gas
Award Type	Network Innovation Allowance
Funding Source	Ofgem
Start Date	01 December 2022
End Date	31 March 2023
Duration	ENA months
Total Grant Value	£20,000
Industrial Sectors	Energy
Region	London
Programme	Network Innovation Allowance
Investigators	Principal Investigator	Project Contact , Cadent Gas (99.996%)
	Other Investigator	Project Contact , Cadent Central (0.001%) Project Contact , Cadent Eastern (0.001%) Project Contact , Cadent North London (0.001%) Project Contact , Cadent North West (0.001%)
	Industrial Collaborator	Project Contact , Cadent Gas (0.000%)
Web Site	https://smarter.energynetworks.org/projects/NIA_CAD0087
Objectives	"This Project is all about understanding current natural gas lamp design before carrying out the relevant testing to investigate the suitability of existing lamps to be placed under hydrogen service as part of a wider network conversion.The Project will commence with an analysis of existing gas lamp designs, technology, operation, and gas consumption before the appropriate testing and development work is undertaken to determine whether it is possible to produce a safe and reliable product. The services of the industrys leading gas lamp specialist will be enlisted to supply samples of existing lamps and components, along with explanation of the main function, parameters and history of the components used. With a suitable representative gas lamp identified for experimentation and initial development for use with hydrogen, initial tests will take place using an existing mantle to determine the heat input needed to acquire sufficient luminosity and prove the concept of a hydrogen gas light.The sample gas light with multiple mantles will then be converted for use with hydrogen. Development work will be carried out as required to produce a proof-of-concept solution for demonstration purposes.The operational controls and built-in safety devices will also be assessed, both for the reference natural gas lamps and the new proposed hydrogen versions before certification requirements and appropriate BS/EN standards are identified. Consideration will be given to the appropriate technical challenges that must be overcome to achieve UKCA certification of any new hydrogen gas lamps and enable them to be placed on the market.Finally, a feasibility report will be produced to identify what has been achieved to date, what needs to be done to produce a reliable and commercially viable product, whether this is deemed possible, and if so an estimate of the costs and timescales involved.A promotional video of the work will also be produced to help engage the gas industry and wider public on the opportunity for hydrogen conversion of the gas network in meeting the UKs net zero targets.Project delivery will be supported by hiring professional organisation(s) to support Cadent on the project. Much of the work will involve physical testing in a laboratory environment, so it is important that any organisation involved has experience in executing technical test programmes within the appliance development sector of the gas industry. " " This Project is undertaken in 6 technical phases, which are: Phase 1: Initial project scoping phase with the assistance of the industrys leading gas lamp specialist. This phase will involve the following activities:- Agree scope and terms of reference for the project.- Analyse existing gas lamp designs, technology, operation and gas consumption. - Select a sample gas lamp for conversion to hydrogen. Phase 2: Initial hydrogen luminosity tests to assess the suitability of conversion. This phase will involve the following activities:- Fire a hydrogen flame into an existing gas mantle and measure the heat input needed to produce an acceptable amount of light.- Prove the concept of a hydrogen fired mantle.Phase 3: The focus here will be on the development of a single hydrogen gas lamp. This phase will involve the following activities:- Convert the sample gas lamp (from Phase 1) for use with hydrogen.- To measure and document key performance criteria including heat input and appropriate component temperatures.- To conduct development work as required. Phase 4: Once developed, gas lamp controls will need to be properly evaluated. This phase will involve the following activities:- Evaluate operational and safety controls on the sample natural gas lamp.- Determine whether these can be made suitable for hydrogen, or what alternative/additional controls will be required.Phase 5: This phase will be designed to evaluate the appropriate BS/EN Standards and Certification Requirements. Key activities will include:- Determine appropriate BS/EN Standards to apply.- Consider additional requirements for hydrogen.- Advise certification requirements likely to be required to facilitate commercialisation of hydrogen gas lamps.Phase 6: This phase will involve the preparation and publication of the feasibility report, including information on the following:- What has been achieved to date.- What needs to be done to produce a reliable and commercially viable product.- Whether this is deemed possible.- If possible, an estimation of the costs and timescales required for a full development programme On completion of the feasibility study, if proven to be feasible, a promotional video of the work will be produced to engage wider industry and the general public. " "The objectives of the project are as follows:- Provide an opportunity for these unique historic lamps to be retained and begin to understand if they can be adapted to be hydrogen-ready ahead of conversion as part of a wider hydrogen conversion programme. - Identify a route for further phases of development work and high profile PR opportunities. Bring forward an opportunity to win the hearts and minds of the public with a visual presentation of hydrogen use which can also be used to decarbonise their homes. "
Abstract	"This project looks to conduct a practical feasibility study to determine whether existing heritage lamps fuelled by natural gas can be repurposed to operate with a hydrogen supply. If the gas lamps, the majority of which are located in London and provide a certain historic value, could be converted to hydrogen and operated on a local gas network, it would give these appliances a route to net zero along with other appliances and use cases being investigated across the domestic and non-domestic sectors. If successful, the idea is to produce a promotional video of the work, which can help engage the gas industry and wider public on the opportunity for hydrogen conversion of the gas grid in meeting GBs net zero targets."
Publications	(none)
Final Report	(none)
Added to Database	18/10/23